[Jul. 22] 112th IRCMS Seminar

July 11 2024

We would like to inform you that the 112th IRCMS seminar has been scheduled as below.
* This IRCMS seminar is open to everyone.

Date      : July 22, 2024 (Monday)

Time      : 16:00-17:00

ZOOM　: Meeting ID: 930 2849 7148
            　 Passcode: Sem22Jul

Speaker : Dr. Keita Tamura (University of Cambridge)

Title        : Dissecting visual cognition by light: from macaques to marmosets

Abstract 

When you see an object, you not only perceive its physical features but also experience a non-physical impression such that distinguishes an old friend from strangers. A particular cortical area called perirhinal cortex is essential for such perceptual and mnemonic processing of visual objects, but the underlying circuit mechanisms remain unclear. We previously applied optogenetics to macaque monkeys performing an object memory judgement task and found that activation of the perirhinal cortex induced monkeys to judge any presented object as "seen before" even if the monkeys had not seen that object before¹. This result suggests that perirhinal cortex outputs a semantic feature of learned objects i.e., 'familiarity'. To investigate the downstream circuits that guide perceptual and cognitive decisions about objects, my group has begun to study a small non-human primate, common marmoset, which is highly suited for the cutting-edge techniques of optical manipulation and measurements of specific neuronal circuits². In the seminar, I will discuss my previous works and current attempts to develop behavioral paradigms and wire-less neurophysiology techniques.

2-3 major papers:

1. Tamura K, et al. Conversion of object identity to object-general semantic value in the primate temporal cortex. Science 357: 687-92 (2017).
2. Esmaeili V^=1,†, Tamura K^=1,†, et al. Rapid suppression and sustained activation of distinct cortical regions for a delayed sensory-triggered motor response. Neuron 109: 2183-2201.e9 (2021).

Flyer: (Click to enlarge)